7. Giving the corpse food
Location: Portugal
Extra seating at the table is charged.
Portugal, like many other countries, celebrates Christmas with a traditional feast known as consoda.Not only are places put out for the living during this feast, but also for departed family members.
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Supplying the Dead with Food © Shutterstock/Rawpixel.com
The Portuguese make sure their household will be lucky by feeding the dead. Some families in the area keep food scraps on the hearth for deceased loved ones to nibble on after supper and all night long.
8. Holiday Pairing
Location: Czech Republic
Price: One shoe
This Christmas custom in the Czech Republic is centred around single ladies and claims to predict whether or not they will get married in a year. Women without husbands face their front door on Christmas Eve every year.
Google/Pinterest Christmas Matchmaking
In various cultures around the world, traditions and customs surrounding marriage and courtship have always held a special place in the hearts of people. These rituals often reflect the hopes, dreams, and superstitions that communities hold dear. One such charming and whimsical tradition involves the simple act of tossing a shoe, a seemingly mundane object that, in this context, becomes a harbinger of one's romantic future.
Picture a group of young women gathered together, perhaps during a festive occasion or a special gathering. The air is filled with anticipation and excitement as they prepare to partake in this age-old ritual. Each woman carefully removes one of her shoes, holding it with a mix of hope and nervousness. The shoe, a humble yet significant item, is about to become a tool of divination.
With a deep breath and a flick of the wrist, the woman throws her shoe over her shoulder, sending it sailing through the air. All eyes follow the shoe's trajectory, waiting to see how it will land. The outcome of this seemingly simple action holds profound implications for her romantic future.
If the shoe lands with its toe pointing towards the door, it is believed that the woman will find herself walking down the aisle within the next year. The toe, symbolizing forward movement and new beginnings, indicates that marriage is on the horizon. The woman and her friends may squeal with delight, imagining the wedding bells and the joyous celebrations that await.
On the other hand, if the shoe lands with its heel facing the entrance, it signals another year of single happiness. The heel, representing stability and grounding, suggests that the woman will continue to enjoy her independence and the pleasures of single life for another year. There is no sense of disappointment in this outcome; rather, it is seen as an opportunity to embrace personal growth, freedom, and the joys of being unattached.
This playful tradition, while lighthearted and fun, also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and love. It encourages young women to approach their romantic futures with a sense of curiosity and openness, knowing that whether they find themselves married or single, there is beauty and fulfillment to be found in every stage of life.
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